Apr 18, 2023
The 'Bone' Rockwell B1 Lancer of the US Air Force flying with other participating fighter aircraft during the ongoing Exercise Cope India 23.
Image Source: ANI
The exercise is being coordinated by the Tactics & Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), IAF's unit for training in aerial combat.
Image Source: ANI
The exercise will be supported by aerial refuellers, Airborne Warning and Control System and Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft of the IAF.
Image Source: ANI
The `Cope India’ exercise will “further enhance operational capability and interoperability between the two air forces”.
Image Source: ANI
IAF and the USAF aircraft flew airdrop missions to a Dropping Zone in the eastern sector as part of the US-India bilateral Air Exercise Cope India 23.
Image Source: ANI
The strategic forces of the Indian Army and the Air Force carried out a multi-domain exercise in strategically key areas in the Eastern sector amid the lingering border row in eastern Ladakh.
Image Source: ANI
The exercise was aimed at validating joint plans for strategic airlift of specialised forces employing IAF's fixed and rotary wing platforms by landing and dropping in designated areas for undertaking kinetic actions.
Image Source: ANI
The drills were carried out in designated areas of Eastern theatre as per a tactical setting, and they showcased the operational preparedness and synergy of strategic forces.
Image Source: ANI
"The exercise also demonstrated the speed, agility and lethality of the specialised troops showcasing their ability to rapidly deploy into a hostile environment, " PTI quoted people as saying.
Image Source: ANI
The Cope India exercises began in 2004 as a fighter training exercise held at Gwalior AFS and have now returned since the last one which was held in 2018.
Image Source: ANI
This phase of the exercise focused on air mobility and involved the transport of aircraft and Special Forces assets from both the Air Forces.
Image Source: ANI
The exercise aims to enhance mutual understanding between the two Air Forces and share their best practices.
Image Source: ANI
The Indian Air Force has recently been engaged in multiple multinational exercises in which the US has also participated including the EX Desert Flag in the UAE and Ex Cobra Warrior in the UK.
Image Source: ANI
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